Samsung sneaks in a Series 5 Ultra upgrade

LAS VEGAS--Spotted at the Samsung booth at CES 2013 was an updated version of the company's Series 5 Ultra, a slim, midpriced ultrabook. Not getting a formal announcement, as the more high-profile Series 7 Ultra and Series 7 Chronos did, the updated Series 5 instead sneaked onto the show floor.

The new Series 5 will add a touch screen and backlit keyboard, and the overall design of the aluminum chassis is thinner, but still thick enough to hold an optical drive. The brushed-metal look is closer to the more expensive Series 7 and Series 9, making this look like it costs more than its $749 starting price.

The new Series 5 Ultra will be available in February in black, red, and pebble blue, with a Core i3 version starting at $749 and a Core i5 version for $899. AMD graphics will be available in some configurations, but probably not in the U.S.

Where to Buy

Samsung Series 5 Ultra (2013)

About The Author

Dan Ackerman leads CNET's coverage of laptops, desktops, and Windows tablets, while also writing about games, gadgets, and other topics. A former radio DJ and member of Mensa, he's written about music and technology for more than 15 years, appearing in publications including Spin, Blender, and Men's Journal.